Mathematics Alumnus

Keith Nabb

Position:

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Company Name:

Moraine Valley Community College

Industry Sector:

Education

What He Does

Keith teaches in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Moraine
Valley Community College, Illinois. His teaching load varies from three courses
to five courses a semester depending on individual preference, and assignments
are also available in the summer. In addition to his teaching duties, Keith has
served on search teams and evaluation teams. He has also participated in
committee work and he has mentored both students and new faculty members.

Math on the Job

As a teacher of mathematics Keith uses math on an everyday basis. He has taught
a variety of courses that include Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra,
Statistics, Trigonometry, Business Calculus, the Calculus sequence (Calculus 1,
2, and 3), Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra. The greatest challenge
for Keith is not necessarily the teaching itself; rather, it is stressing the
relevance and importance of mathematics in his students' lives.

Background

Keith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education (Mathematics)
from Rhode Island College in 1997. His love for math took him to graduate school
and he earned a Master of Science Degree in Mathematics from Texas Tech
University in 2000. He has been at Moraine Valley since 2001. Keith continues to
take advantage of professional development activities related to current trends
in education in an attempt to keep his students as well-informed as possible.
This means staying ahead of technology and keeping up to date with what
universities expect transfer students to know.

Advice for Students

Be sure to take courses in both pure and applied mathematics.

Courses in Number Theory and Algebra can show future employers that you
can think abstractly.

Courses in Differential Equations and Numerical Analysis can open doors
to enticing job prospects.

If you are undecided after graduation, a balance in undergraduate
mathematics courses will prove especially helpful in graduate school.